Employment ‘turned my life around’

Christine Woolley says that supported employment at Endeavour Foundation’s Norlane commercial site has been “life changing”.

At 56 years of age, the Geelong woman is approaching a decade in a job she says she “loves” with a passion.

“If I didn’t have this job I don’t know where I’d be. It’s given me a life and friends that I never thought I could have.

“Being at home was boring and lonely – when you’ve got a job it’s the best thing out. I love the people and the atmosphere,” Christine said.

“Everyone is so friendly and we’re all from different walks of life. We might have disabilities, but we’re all just people at the end of the day. We all just want a life like anyone else.

“I was pretty lonely at one stage, but now I’ve made a lot of new friends, including Megan who is 26. We’re best buddies outside of work too.

“Working here makes me happy. It’s made such a huge difference to my life – it’s turned it right around.”

Endeavour Foundation’s Commercial Manager, Anthony Tavelli, said that supported employment is a meaningful way to engage with your community, learn new skills and grow in confidence.

“Each and every day we are privileged to watch the people we support blossom. It’s enormously rewarding to know that just by providing meaningful employment opportunities, alongside the right training and support, we really can open up a world of possibility to people with a disability.

“A variety of employment opportunities exist at Norlane within general and food packing. If you are aged 15 years or older, on a Disability Support Pension and want to contribute to your community, we have a range of full and part-time opportunities.”

Endeavour Foundation is a diverse community organisation working together with people with a disability so that they have real possibilities to live life to the full.